As you stand in front of the ships departing from the port of Kiel, you'll want to find out more about this city with a natural affinity for water: dive in, on a walk with your guide!
They will tell you that this was the only town by the sea in this Saxon territory, but that it is also called the "city of sailing", for its unique regatta: this explains the sails and sailors you will glimpse along the waterfront.
Meanwhile, near the port, you might come across a friendly seal or two splashing around in an open-air pool, capturing everyone's attention as they pop up.
And even though the salty tang fades as you walk through the streets of the center, water is always at the heart of everything: The neoclassical Town Hall and Opera House look out over the canal, while St. Nikolai Church was originally a maritime place of worship dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers.
Has all that walking given you an appetite? There's a typical “fish bun” ready and waiting for you - a sandwich filled with fresh fish caught right here. The Baltic in a mouthful.
And if you're still hungry for more maritime discoveries, you can explore Kiel however you like, before returning to the ship.